Gilbert Burns predicts a 'war' between Fiziev and Ruffy at UFC 325 and warns of his rival's cunning.

Gilbert Durinho is a former UFC title challenger. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC

Mauricio Ruffy will have a great opportunity to move up in the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg) in UFC 325, scheduled for January 31st in Sydney, Australia. Currently ranked 14th, the Brazilian faces Raphael Fiziev And it could make a significant leap in the division if they win. In analysis, Gilbert Durinho He pointed out how he imagines the outcome of this duel.

In an interview with the channel 'Laerte Viana na Área – MMA', the former title challenger described the fight as one of the toughest of the event and predicted a true "war" inside the octagon. For Durinho, from a technical standpoint, the challenge is enormous. He described Fiziev as a "monster," highlighting his maturity, intelligence, and ability to effectively blend striking with opportunistic takedowns. According to the 12th-ranked welterweight, the Azerbaijani's so-called "cunning" could be decisive throughout the rounds.

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"I think it's going to be war, a really tough fight. Fiziev is a huge test for Luffy. I think the fight could be crucial, especially to avoid losing two in a row. If Luffy goes there and wins, he can rise in the ranks, but if he loses, people might start thinking: 'ah, he's not all that great'. It's good to win and win well, but it's not an easy fight."

Fiziev doesn't have much ground control, but he defends well and takes down well. He's very formidable. It's going to be an awesome fight to watch. I like both of them, and since I'm Brazilian and we had a cool connection, I'll be rooting for Luffy.

I really like Fiziev too. He's a very technical guy, kicks well, boxes well, has a very good defense… you know what the problem is with fighting Fiziev? He's a formidable fighter and, if you let your guard down, he'll take you down. That's what bothers me most about this fight: he's very mature, very intelligent, very technical and, if you give him an opening, he'll go and take you down.

It's difficult to beat Fiziev; he's only lost to a few people. I think long-range striking is something Luffy can exploit. Luffy is long, hits hard, I think he can do his crazy moves there. They call Luffy Ronaldinho Gaúcho, right? So, I think he can exploit that, land his flashy strikes.

I think it's a tougher fight for Luffy than for Fiziev. I don't think there will be a knockout. It's going to be a tough exchange of blows. It's the fight I'm most excited to see at the event. I think it's going to be a decision. I'm really rooting for Luffy, but I think Fiziev is going to use his takedown skills and steal those rounds.

"I hope I'm wrong. I want Luffy to win, but I think Fiziev is going to come in really cunningly: stay at a distance, kick, call for a striking exchange, and take him down. Do that round after round, using trickery. I hope I'm wrong, but I think Fiziev will win through his cunning," he said. Gilbert Durinho in an interview with the YouTube channel 'Laerte Viana na Área – MMA'.